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Members of the public travelling to Windsor for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be subject to sleeping bags searches and airport-style scanners in a multi-million-pound operation to keep them safe.

The security measures, likened to a “ring of steel” around Windsor Castle and the procession route for the wedding, will include heavy metal barriers to deter and prevent terrorist attacks by vehicle, and sweeps of cars.

Well-wishers who want to line the streets of the procession to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds are being warned to expect a “screening and searching” regime, including police officers inspecting any sleeping bags that could conceal materials to cause trouble.

If too many people descend on Windsor, the town will be put on virtual lock-down, with trains no longer stopping to drop passengers off at its stations and people turned away from crowded processional routes.

More than 100,000 people are expected to arrive at Windsor for the May 19 wedding, flying from around the world to join the festivities.

Armed officers will be on duty in Windsor

Thames Valley Police will be out in force, with extra armed and unarmed officers patrolling, search dogs, a mounted section, and the National Police Air Service all tasked with combating the “severe” threat of terrorism.

Windsor will become a virtual fortress, with each route into the town subject to careful searches. Visitors will walk through scanners, be expected to show the contents of their bags if asked, and discouraged from bringing tents to set up for the day.

Residents will notice more CCTV cameras, extra technology to recognise number plates and “hostile vehicle mitigation barriers” to protect pedestrians from terror attack by cars or heavy duty vehicles.

Some "Hostile Vehicle Mitigation" barriers are already in place

The operation, the largest in the force’s history, will see officers lining the streets to engage with those celebrating the wedding, aiming to ensure the day remains a “happy celebration” for all.

Police have so far received no specific intelligence about targeted attacks, but are aware of potential protests including plans for a “Royal Sleepover”, where campaigners plan to sleep on the streets in support of local homeless people.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on May 19, with 600 guests invited to watch the ceremony and a further 2,640 members of the public allowed to stand inside the castle walls to watch their arrival and departure.

Windsor will be on lock-down after 100,000 tourist flock in

They will then travel through Windsor town centre by carriage before a reception at St George’s Hall and “evening do” at nearby Frogmore House.